Grapefruit Essential Oil: Facts, Benefits, Uses, and Recipes

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Many people have enjoyed eating grapefruit for breakfast as a weight loss food. The grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a nutrient-rich fruit with various health benefits, including weight loss, appetite control, and diabetes prevention. Grapefruit essential oil is very versatile with many of the same benefits as a grapefruit.

Grapefruit oil is extracted from the peel of the grapefruit, and it has been used for centuries to fight stress, inflammation, sugar cravings, and weight gain. This article details the health benefits of grapefruit essential oil, and how to best use it.

Facts about Grapefruit Essential Oil

Although the history of the grapefruit is a bit of a mystery, some believe that it was first grown in Jamaica. It was given the name grapefruit because it looked similar to grapes hanging from trees. The grapefruit has scientific names Citrus maxima and Citrus racemosa as well as the unique moniker, the “forbidden” fruit.

Grapefruit essential oil has an aroma similar to grapefruit that is fresh, clean, and a little bitter. The signature smell and taste of citrus fruits is why it is a popular ingredient in natural household cleaner products, and homemade soaps, cosmetics, and beauty lotions.

Grapefruit oil is naturally high in phytochemicals and antioxidants that help fight disease. Grapefruit essential oil benefits are largely due to the constituent called limonene, which reportedly accounts for 88% to 95% of the oil. Limonene is a phytochemical antioxidant believed to fight tumors, prevent cancer, and protect cells and DNA from damage. Other key antioxidants found in grapefruit essential oil include citronellol, pinene, terpinene, myrcene, and vitamin C.

Health Benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil

What are the health benefits of grapefruit essential oil? Grapefruit essential oil is known for its stimulant, tonic, lymphatic, disinfectant, diuretic, astringent, antiseptic, and antidepressant properties.

Research suggests that inhaling grapefruit essential oil can help activate relaxation responses in the brain, while also reducing blood pressure. Grapefruit essential oil inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase activity, which could increase neurotransmitter action and improve a person’s mood. The effect may help fight brain fog, depression, fatigue, and stress.

The vapors from grapefruit oil may also directly and quickly send messages to the brain region linked with controlling emotional responses. A study published in the Journal of Japanese Pharmacology in 2002 found that grapefruit oil significantly affected relaxation and brain activity in healthy adults. Inhalation of the oil led to a 1.5- to 2.5-fold increase in relative sympathetic activity that reduced stress and improved mood. They also experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure.

The following are six other purported health benefits of grapefruit essential oil:

1. Promotes Weight Loss

Research has found that the smell of grapefruit oil is associated with fat-burning responses within the brain. A study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine in 2003 found that grapefruit oil can help control body weight through the activation of sympathetic nerve activity. The activation of sympathetic nerve activity has a positive effect on white adipose tissue, which is responsible for lipolysis. Grapefruit oil may also help you shed excess water weight because it can help boost a sluggish lymphatic system.

2. Fights Fungal Infections

The antifungal abilities of grapefruit oil can also help reduce yeast and bacteria overgrowth responsible for candida symptoms, such as sugar cravings, persistent fatigue, rectal itching, and abdominal pain. Research shows that grapefruit can fight other infections, including lung infections, nasal infections, and urinary tract infections.

3. Natural Antibacterial

The antibacterial and antimicrobial effects of grapefruit oil could help decrease or eliminate harmful bacteria strains. Studies have found that grapefruit essential oil can fight bacterial strains responsible for food-borne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli.

4. Boosts Digestion

Grapefruit essential oil may also help with detoxification through increasing blood in the digestive organs—the kidneys, liver, bladder, and stomach. These positive effects on digestion could be useful for fluid retention, and fighting the harmful bacteria within the gut and intestines.

5. Improves Circulation

Grapefruit oil is among the essential oils said to increase blood flow and lower inflammation. In turn, circulation will improve, and the reported blood vessel-dilating effects of grapefruit oil could potentially help treat headaches, bloating, muscle pain, fatigue, and PMS cramps.

6. Benefits Skin/Fights Acne

Grapefruit oil’s antibacterial properties may also have a positive effect on the skin, which could help fight bacteria that cause acne. Grapefruit oil could also benefit skin by reducing cellulite; healing wounds, bites, and cuts; and preventing negative effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution and UV light damage.

How to Use Grapefruit Essential Oil, Plus Recipes

The addition of grapefruit oil to conditioner or shampoo can help decrease grease and sweat, and help the shine and volume of hair. You can also naturally flavor water, smoothies, and various meals with grapefruit oil. Diffusing grapefruit oil with other citrus scents like orange oil and lemon essential oil can also improve unpleasant odors in bathrooms, kitchens, and household appliances.

You can also kill odors and bacteria naturally on countertops, wood surfaces, and floors. Some also use it as a massage oil, or bath oil. Grapefruit oil also combines well with orange oil, basil oil, bergamot oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, lemon essential oil, or eucalyptus oil. Here are the various ways you can use grapefruit essential oil:

1. Diffused or Inhaled

You can use grapefruit essential oil by inhaling directly from the bottle or using an oil diffuser. This method is used for relieving stress, headaches, depression, and bloating and water retention.

2. Applied to Skin

Once diluted with carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio, grapefruit oil can be applied to the skin. Once combined, rub on acne-prone skin, sore muscles, and the abdominal region for improving digestion.

3. Taken Internally

Grapefruit essential oil should only be taken internally when a high-quality, 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil is purchased that includes just grapefruit rind oil from Citrus paradisi.

Here are a couple of grapefruit essential oil recipes to get you started.

Grapefruit Oil Cellulite Cream

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut oil

30 drops of grapefruit essential oil

1 glass jar with lid

Directions:

Combine coconut oil with grapefruit essential oil and store in a glass container. For treatment of cellulite, rub on affected areas for five minutes each day.

Uplifting Grapefruit Oil Blend

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. of unscented shower gel

4 drops of grapefruit essential oil

4 drops of jasmine essential oil

1 drop of geranium essential oil

1 glass jar with lid

Directions:

Combine essential oils with the unscented shower gel in a glass jar. It is best to use this essential oil blend in the morning during an energizing shower. This helps you begin the day on a positive note.

Grapefruit Essential Oil Precautions

In general, grapefruit essential oil is safe; however, it may interact with medications, such as blood pressure medications and antidepressants. As a result, it is best to consult with your doctor before using grapefruit oil. It may also be a good idea to avoid direct sun exposure if using grapefruit oil on the skin may be more sensitive against sunburns and UV light.

It is also best to do a skin patch test to check your reaction to essential oils like grapefruit oil because some people with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction. Grapefruit essential oil should also be used in moderation, since overconsumption can over-stimulate the gallbladder and cause problems like spasms, gallstones, and bile duct changes.

ABOUT DOCTORS HEALTH PRESS

HEALTHY LIVING

CONNECT WITH US

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.